Gorat, Louis "Pal"

July 18, 1929 - January 26, 2022

Louis "Pal" Nunzio Gorat of Omaha, Nebraska passed away on Wednesday January, 26th at the age of 92. After several months of declining health, Pal died peacefully in his sleep. Pal was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Nettie Gorat; his wife, Shirley Gorat; his son, Mark Gorat; and his daughter, Debi Branecki. Survived by his daughter, Pamela Kenney (Bernie); 8 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Pal was born on July 18, 1929 to father Louis Gorat and mother Nettie Gorat. A lifelong resident of Omaha, Pal took great pride in raising his family and growing the family business, Gorat's Steakhouse. Pal and Shirley were married and had their first son, Mark in 1953, Debi in 1955, and Pamela in 1959. According to Pal, family was something to cherish and that was evidenced by the funny nicknames he gave to his kids and grandchildren such as Boompy, Skilly Rilly, and Zacharino Hornblower! Every Sunday you would find the family gathering for a large Italian dinner at Pal's house that usually ended with his grandkids dancing in the living room to him playing the piano.

Dedication and hard work were words that were important to Pal. He was a stern leader who ran a tight ship. From cleaning the floors to schmoozing with customers, there wasn't a job at Gorat's that he didn't do. That is not to say he didn't have his fair share of fun! If you were lucky, you might have found yourself in the lounge at Gorat's on a night that Pal himself decided to entertain guests by tickling the ivories well into the night! Musical talent runs deep in the Gorat's blood!

Pal's social life was as rich as his family and work life. Throughout his years there were MANY rounds of golf played in town at Happy Hollow Country Club with his best friends followed by some intense card games. Winters were spent in the sunshine at his house in Palm Springs California where even more rounds of golf were played with his buddies at Bermuda Dunes Country Club. He lived a full life of love and dedication.

People wishing to honor Pal's lifelong commitment to his family and community can make donations to the Juvenile Diabetes Association (www.jdrf.org) or the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org).

The family will receive friends at a future time to be determined.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Omaha World-Herald from Jan. 28 to Jan. 29, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Louis Gorat

Sponsored by Heafey Hoffmann Dworak Cutler Mortuaries - West Center Chapel.

11 Entries

Robert Karbowski

January 22, 2023

Pal & Shirley were two of the finest people I ever knew and I miss them greatly. May their souls rest in peace with the Lord.
Bob & Pat Karbowski

Josie Ferro-Magistro

February 2, 2022

I am so sorry that this is a week late! I just wanted to send love and healing to the families and friends in Pal's life. I worked for Pal and Shirley at Gorats when I was a teenager. He was a very driven and stern man at work but was a softy at heart. It looks like the family is all together now . My love and prayers go out to the families.

Josie Ferro-Magistro

Susan Cormaci

January 31, 2022

My parents as well as our whole family spent many wonderful evenings at the steakhouse what that tradition was all started, because my father grew up with Pal and knew his family well -my dad was Jack Cormaci.

Mario Mandolfo

January 30, 2022

So sorry to hear this. Pal and his mother & father we´re great people. They were great relatives to my mother & father Subby & Frances Mandolfo. May they all Rest In Peace.

Robert & Patricia Karbowski

January 30, 2022

We both loved Pal & Shirley very much. We never came to Omaha that we didn't spend our quality time with Pal & Shirley. They were the best people we knew. God will bless them & we'll pray for them.

louis finocchiaro

January 29, 2022

Pam and Bernie
Pal was a great man and dear friend of my father. Our family is praying for you all

Louis Finocchiaro

Tony Ancona

January 29, 2022

Whenever and wherever I ran into Mr G he always had a warm smile, and an encouraging word to share. Over the many years he was always a close friend of our family. I'll always cherish the many warm memories of dining at Gorat's. We always loved the way Mr G made us all feel welcome on each and every visit.

Upon his arrival to the pearly gates, I'm sure his pal's were there to welcome Mr G to another foursome.

He was a special man, and will certainly be missed.
Thoughts and prayers to the Gorat family.

Ross A Pantano

January 29, 2022

Pam and Bernie,
Michele and I will keep you and yours in our prayers. Our folks were friends for generations and I always enjoyed being around Pal, both in business as well as while golfing in the desert. May he rest in eternal peace. Gob bless!

Lisa, Julia Pihlgren & Family

January 28, 2022

Our deepest sympathy to the Gorat Family, we had the privilege of caring for Pal this last year of his life and enjoyed getting to know him, loved his smile, sense of humor and he never lost his Stern ways! He knew what and how he wanted things, he also had the sweetest ways of expressing his gratitude! It was a joy and privilege to not only care for Pal but an honor! RIP my friend, Lisa & family

Suzie (Potts) Troia

January 28, 2022

My sincerest condolences to the entire Gorat clan. Pal is now reunited with his Shirley, Mark and Debbie. Rest in Peace Pal.

Jerry Stingley

January 28, 2022

My sympathy to all the family. What a guy to work with...I owe him a lot! Rest in Peace, Boss!

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